With winter already here, you may be reaching for warm and cosy sweaters to combat the dry and cold weather. But have you considered what extra measures you are taking to protect your lovely locks? The chill in the air can harm your hair, just like it does on your skin.
During winter, your hair and scalp can become dry, making hair more prone to damage and breakage. The low temperatures can also cause brittle hair, making your once-healthy mane look unruly and unmanageable. So, just like you would adjust your skincare routine and use more moisturiser, you need to tweak your winter hair care routine to keep your hair healthy.
I will share everything I do and the products I use to combat scalp dryness during winter. Let’s jump right in!
How to Combat Dry Scalp in Winter: Essential Tips
1. Hair oil massage
The very first thing I indulge in during winter is a hair oil massage. This is the first step in your winter hair care routine.
During winter, the scalp loses its natural oils, resulting in dryness. To keep your scalp nourished, a hair oil massage is very important. You can also steam your scalp using a steamer or a hot towel. Make it a habit to oil your hair at least once a week.
I like to use the Love Beauty and Planet Onion, Black Seed & Patchouli Hairfall Control Hair Oil for my hair since it is made with pure Onion oil to give 4X lesser hairfall. It is also infused with Pure Blackseed Oil that nourishes your hair and scalp. The 100% Organic Coconut Oil in it intensely hydrates and conditions my hair.
If you are looking for an Ayurvedic hair oil, the Indulekha Bringha Ayurvedic Oil is a great option. It is a proprietary ayurvedic medicine that is clinically proven to reduce hair fall and grow new hair. It contains ingredients like Bringhraj, Svetakutaja, Amla, Virgin Coconut Oil to revive your roots to grow new hair.
2. Use a nourishing shampoo
To maintain healthy hair, it is essential to wash it regularly with a nourishing shampoo. The right shampoo not only keeps your hair looking shiny but also healthy. Shampoos with pH levels ranging from 4.5 to 5.5 can prevent irritation and dryness that can lead to dandruff and flaking. On the other hand, high-alkalinity shampoos can cause redness and dryness in the hair, making it difficult to clean your scalp unless you're careful.
Since sulfates can strip the hair scalp of essential oils, leaving it susceptible to infection, I recommended using sulfate-free shampoos such as the Dove Hair Therapy Dry Scalp Care Sulphate-Free Shampoo. Infused with Niacinamide it is known to improve and relieve scalp dryness and add moisture to get soft, smooth locks.
3. Never skip conditioner
You must never skip a conditioner after shampooing, especially during winter, irrespective of your hair type. This step in your winter hair care routine is crucial. It is essential to condition the lengths of your hair to prevent breakage and damage caused by the dryness resulting from the cold weather. Your hair needs to be hydrated and moisturised to keep it healthy; a conditioner is the perfect way to achieve this.
I use the Dove Hair Therapy Dry Scalp Care Moisturizing Conditioner after washing my hair. It has been specially formulated to care at hair’s cellular level. It gives you dry scalp care that goes further, you can count on it to leave your scalp feeling refreshed - and with soft hair you'll love running your fingers through.
4. Deep condition weekly
Pamper your hair with a deep conditioning hair mask once a week to provide an additional layer of moisture to your hair. This is particularly useful during the cold months, as it gives your locks the extra boost of moisture, they need to stay healthy and nourished.
I like using this Dove 10 in 1 Deep Repair Treatment Hair Mask which contains Bio-Proteins. The mask's creamy formula penetrates the innermost layers of your hair, and restores proteins, effectively helping reverse years of damage from the 1st wash. My hair not only regains its health but also feels remarkably smooth and silky to the touch.
5. Protect hair with a serum
And lastly, I always apply a hair serum to damp hair after washing. To maintain healthy hair, it's essential to use a hair serum, whether you use heated tools to style your hair or not. A hair serum acts as a protective barrier, creating a thick coat around your hair cuticle, and shielding it from any external damage, including the cold and dry weather. Furthermore, if your hair has already been damaged, a hair serum can help restore it to its original, healthy condition.
I like to use the TRESemmé Gloss Ultimate Hair Serum for my hair. It is infused with Vitamin E and a blend of 3 powerful oils nourishing Coconut oil, conditioning Macadamia Oil and moisturizing Sunflower Seed Oil that provides glossy shine and deep nourishment to hair. It coats hair strands to give a salon smooth, shiny finish at home.
FAQs about Winter Haircare Routine
Q1 How often should I wash my hair in the winter?
A: It is recommended to wash your hair not more than 2-3 times a week in the winter. Over washing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage.
Q2 What type of shampoo and conditioner should I use in the winter?
A: Look for shampoos and conditioners that are specially formulated for dry and damaged hair. These products typically contain moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, and coconut oil.
Q3 How can I protect my hair from the cold weather?
A: Wearing a hat or scarf can help protect your hair from the cold weather. You can also apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil before going outside to help lock in moisture.
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Written by Kinnari Ashar on 31st Jan 2024